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Monday, January 11, 2010

The Finished Coat!

It's done! The much labored-over coat.

I find there's really not a whole lot to say. After all, I said A LOT during the process - ten videos worth!I love the coat. I really do. I'm so proud of my construction on this project. I do still wonder if I got the fit exactly right. And in retrospect, I really should have converted the one-piece sleeve to a two-piece tailored sleeve to avoid the bagginess I've got going on.

But you know what? I'm not going to nitpick. It's a beautiful coat, it's warm, and I made it all my own little self. Now please allow me to indulge in way too many photos.

Hooray for me! And hooray for you - for all your tips and encouragement along the way. I've had a handful of you write to me and say you've been inspired to start your own coat. And that makes me very, very happy.

Simply beautiful, and the gorgeous detailing takes it to a whole new level. The fabric looks luscious, the lining is fabulous and the swing... let's just say, it's the kind of coat that would make me skip every time I wore it, just for the pleasure of feeling it swish. About it being more fitted, I think it looks great as is - it's a winter coat, and you want to have the option of wearing thicker clothes underneath (which may come in use, as they're currently predicting this wave of glacial winters to last another 20 - 30 years...). Whatever the case, you deserve to be proud, you've done a most amazing job!

It was a lot of work but it seems to be worth it ! This coat is even more beautiful than I thought. You did a really good job and I hope you are proud of you and your coat.So, how many strangers told you your coat was beautiful today ? ;)

Aieeeeee, the shots where it's spinning out and you can see the lining--gorgeous! You're going to have to swirl down the street now, though, so watch your step.

I see what you mean about the *slight* bagginess in the arms as this is something I deal with in my (purchased) coats...but as others mentioned, one does need room to layer and MOVE in coats. I tend to want them to fit like a sweater, and while this gives a lovely line, raising one's arms while in a coat is rather a plus, ha.

WOW!! That was a coat worth waiting for. I love it, that colour is my all time favourite and it looks perfect on you. I also love those action shots. I bet you never buy another now you've seen what you can do...!

Huzzah! Congrats on a job well done! And thanks for sharing the journey along the way. You've inspired me to start thinking about making my own coat and I know I will be referencing all your vlogs along the way!

Such a splendid coat! As others have mentioned, a bit of room in the sleeve will keep you warmer. (And it's not as if they're noticeably baggy; the coat looks sleek!) I've been following along since you made the muslin. Thank you so much for sharing your work! I'm impressed by your tremendous skill and intellectual generosity. Thanks again!!

This is beautiful, beautiful! I've also made coats from Vogue patterns with the same bagginess in the sleeves... comes in handy when you wear something heavy underneath, actually! Enjoy your coat. It looks like so much fun to wear.

What a fabulous coat! The fit, swirl and polka dot fabric is great. I am so inspired by you! I have started looking at coat patterns now, and am serioisly considering giving it a whirl. I have to admit I am curious though. How much did the coat cost you all together, materials and paid work combined? I know such a coat is priceless, and something so well made and of good quality materials will last, but I do wonder. Thanks for all the great vlogs and blogs. I have a feeling I may be referring to those repeatedly soon. Thanks again. :)

This is truly a beautiful coat, and following your adventure with it was really interesting. at the beginning I thought you were a bit crazy to work on such a long and complicated project, but wow, the result is fabulous! And now there is not only this amazing coat, but what you've learned on your way.

As I'm not as experienced a seamstress as you are, I won't try to follow your example till in a few years at least, but as soon as I'll get my first salary, I'll save to have the same coat made by my friend seamstress (only in navy blue, with the other collar)...

Impressed, overwhelmed, a bit jealous, inspired, proud... It's a great piece you've finished up there, Gertie! Best of all is what's between the layers, because we've seen all your details and neat handwork! Luckily you've documented all that through your vlogs, because a random person wouldn't know the effort that goes into such a gorgeous, exquisite, elegant and a little coquettish coat!! Your hair looks amazing as well...

Gertie! It's absolutely beautiful! I love the way the skirt swings when you swirl!

Your concerns about the tailoring reminded me of my most recent (and only) coat making experience. Last month I finished a coat, and when I modeled it for my boyfriend he said, "It looks really nice. It just looks like it needs to be tailored a little." Can you imagine? I spent hours making the plaid match, putting each piece together perfectly, painstakingly sewing, and in the end, was told it looked great, but just needed to be tailored! Not the review that I wanted!

You look so gorgeous in your coat! That bright red colour suits you so much and is to die for. I love it! Makes me want one soooooo much ... though it is so hot here in Australia I'm not sure I'd ever get to wear it!

WOWZA!!!! I have to tell you, i nearly jumped up and down when I saw these pictures! hehe. Bravo on finishing this project! The fabric just hangs beautifully--even from the photos I can tell how much work and care was put into this. Really, really stunning, Gertie! It was so exciting to follow your process and learn some handy (well, someday ;) tips and tricks for making a proper coat.

Your coat is really, really beautiful! I love the color and the pattern, and the lining is sooo awesome!I'm still a beginning seamstress, so I'll stick to skirts and dresses for now, but I have thought about sewing a coat and with your vlog, I can totally see myself trying it sometime in the not-too-distant future.

I'm in love with this coat!!!!!!! It's the perfect color and gorgeous. Right now I'm working with pleating and layering. It's my first task with extreme detail. I can only hope it looks as put together as this coat.